If you own a pair of Birkenstocks you already know. Once you have worn a sandal that actually supports your foot properly, going back to a flat piece of leather with a thin strap feels impossible. The comfort is non-negotiable. The problem is that Birkenstocks have a very specific aesthetic and that aesthetic is not always the most put together.
I am not a big fan of Birkenstocks primarily because they look really frumpy and date any outfit you wear. But I get it many readers have shared that they absolutely love them because of the comfort and thick sole.
So, I am set out to share more stylish options that look better but will give you the same comfy casual athleisure look you are looking for. These alternatives will upgrade your everyday casual and make you feel more confident in them.
ALOHAS Alba Double Buckle Slide Sandals
These slides from Alohas already look so much better than Birkenstocks. They have the same dipped sole design but the edges are more polished which gives you a polished appearance.
The two tone suede design looks luxe and sophisticated. And they also have hardware buckles like the Birkenstocks but they look way nicer.
You can wear these with all your favorite athleisure outfits without feeling out of the place.
I love these ones in beige shade, but these also come in a beautiful chocolate brown color that I am absolutely obsessed with.
Sezane Low Ysee Sandals
These Parisian chic chunky slides from Sezane are going to make you swap your Birkenstocks for sure. They look polished and elevated. I love that the straps are thinner which looks more elegant. And with 3 straps instead of 2, it’s really comfortable to walk in them as well.
I am planning a trip to France soon and I am for sure going to be shopping for these slides to walk in. The soles are thick and will make walking really comfortable. But the chocolate brown color looks modern and polished.
Pair this with short dresses or skirts to create chic summer outfits.
Steve Madden Mayven Slides
The Steve Madden Mayven Slides are in my cart already because these look absolutely adorable. The two tone style looks elevated and adds some interesting touch to your outfit.
I also love that instead of just straps they have a patterned strap that elevates this basic chunky slides. These slides also come in white and other shades, but I love this one the best because the color combo is versatile and can be worn with so many different colors of casual outfits.
The straps are also adjustable, so you stay comfortable all day. I honestly like this no hardware look.
Varley Latona Nappa Sandal
Varley is one of the best and classiest Athleisure brands out there and so obviously they will come up with their chunky slide version. I love these all leather slides that have a subtle gold hardware thats not over the top at all.
The slides are simple but the leather material looks polished and elevated. You can easily pair them with your favorite casual outfits but look much better than wearing Birkenstocks.
These also come in a rich burgundy shade, but I love these in this black and white one because it’s versatile and will go with a lot of your everyday looks without overthinking your looks.
Bobbies Atlas Slides
Bobbies is another Parisian footwear brand that makes the most comfortable footwear for women. And these leather Atlas slides look perfect for hot summer day outfits. You can pair it with denim shorts or linen ones to create casual yet polished summer outfits.
I also love that the design is intricate and simple at the same time. There are no strong hardware which makes it easier and these slides become lightweight. And the curved sole makes it comfortable to walk in.
These slides come in a lot of colors, but I would go for black or chocolate color.
Tory Burch Ines Sports Slides
The Tory Burch slides are the designer version of the Steve Madden one and they also look more elevated with the same suede fabric everywhere. I love this sand suede slides that look classy and perfect pair to wear with white jeans or linen pants on a hot summer day and look classy.
I think you have already guessed by looking at my top picks that these ones are my favorite designs. The minimalistic look of the chunky slides balances the oversized look of them.
And thats what makes them a better version than the Birkenstocks. They just look more modern than Birkenstocks honestly.
Simmi London Chunky Slides
The Simmi London chunky slides are really budget friendly but they look so expensive in that shade. And these slides are perfect for wearing to a pool party because they are non leather material.
So you can get them wet without worrying about damaging them. But the design looks polished and casual at the same time. And they look so much better than Birkenstocks also.
The super chunky soles with groves make it easier to walk in wet floor and that is why they make for excellent pool slides or beach slides option.
Charles & Keith Chunky Slides
Charles & Keith is as Asian brand that I absolutely adore. I have bought their shoes again and again. And these chunky slides look perfect for everyday wear where you want to look elevated and polished.
The all black look with gold hardware makes them versatile and perfect to wear with any style of casual outfits from jeans to shorts and skirts.
These are an amazing Birkenstocks slides alternative that cost half the price as well. And you will not be regretting it. These are definitely giving a modern classy urban look with the diagonal strap design.
Frankie4 Chunky Slides
The Frankie4 Chunky slides are by far my favorite Birkenstocks alternatives that I have found for you. These American founded brand brings modern and elevated footwear that are also comfortable directly to its customers. And these slides look exactly that.
The design of the slides make them perfect for everyday wear where you are not looking frumpy or outdated. This is definitely a modern take on Birkenstocks slides.
the subtle logo detail in the slides add a luxe touch to it making even more wearable. And the curved sole makes it comfortable to walk in miles.
Let me know which slides you want me to try for you all and share my thoughts.
And if you have already tried a pair amongst these ones, share your thoughts.
